Heartland
DECEMBER 2015
Soil & Crop eNews
Queen of the Furrow Goes No-till
+ OMAFRA Crop Talk | OSCIA News | Winter Events
MEL’S
MISCELLANEOUS
Regional
Communications
Coordinator
Contact me at:
[email protected]
519 820 2358
Well, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! With the
combines parked early, I hope you’ve had extra time to catch
up with friends and family, and eat all the calories you worked
off over the course of the year!
This is also time to renew your OSCIA memberships. And you
can call up your local secretary, or do it online (details at our
website) or simply renew by attending your county
association’s Annual General Meeting. Waterloo and
Wellington AGMs were held in early December and if you
missed either of those, you missed a great event! Both were
well attended, with engaging speakers and a great meal. A big
hand to both organizations and a big welcome to four new
directors!
Proudly serving the members of Huron,
Perth, Waterloo and Wellington County
Soil and Crop Improvement Associations
(Heartland Soil & Crop News is published 4 X a year)
John Poel |President
Bill Miller |Vice-President & Perth County President
Horst Bohner | OMAFRA Rep
Stuart Wright |Provincial Director
Mel Luymes |Communications Coordinator
Stefan Zehetner | Huron County President
Andrew Taylor | Waterloo County President
Carl Israel | Wellington County President
OSCIA Head Office
If you’re in Perth or Huron, you haven’t missed your AGM.
Perth’s is January 21st and Huron’s is February 15th and there
will be more details online, or just contact your secretary or a
director.
1 Stone Rd W Guelph N1G 4YG 1-800-265-9751
There’s a great lineup of events happening this winter, (see
page 5) including our own FarmSmart in Guelph (see middle
insert for brochure). Heartland region is also very proud to
host a Soil Workshop with Frank Gibbs on February 16 th in
Listowel. You can read more about him inside this issue and
be sure to register for this great event.
Twitter: @HeartlandSCIA
Wishing you very happy holidays and I hope to see you out
and about over the winter months. I guarantee you’ll get
some new ideas for next season!
www.ontariosoilcrop.org
Facebook.com/Heartlandsoilandcrop
www.heartlandsoilcrop.org
For more information on membership or anything at
all, please contact Mel at [email protected]
or 519 820 2358. Comments, ideas and sponsorship
welcome!
5
Director Update
6
Frank Gibbs Coming to Ontario
7
Heartland Soil Workshop
8
Queen of the Furrow Goes No-Till
11 Perth AGM
12 Meet the new OMAFRA staff
13 Farmers Talk Cover Crops
15 Wheat Pete’s Word
16 Farming in a Changing Climate
17 OMAFRA Crop Talk
27 OSCIA News
31 GF2 Workshops
Wellington SCIA directors
Waterloo AGM draws full house
Waterloo director, Aaron Stevanus
Cover crop trial after wheat (Elmira)
In This Issue
Soil erosion is still enemy #1 in the
fight against phosphorus runoff.
- Bruce Kelly, Farm & Food Care
Cover photo: Sara Wood, Ontario’s 2012 Queen of the Furrow,
in her cover crop of ryegrass into corn, Mitchell, ON
Heartland Soil & Crop News | Dec 2015
3
YieldSmart
FarmSmart
Stuart Wright | Heartland’s Provincial Director
Well, it is AGM season across the region and I’ll reflect on the past year from the
provincial perspective. It was a busy year in 2015 and this spring, the Board of
Directors got together to do Strategic Planning for OSCIA. The summer meeting
was hosted by President Elect Gord Green in Embro and was a great time to see
the area while we reviewed finances and the environmental programs. There
were some mid-year changes to programming and I know the cost-share portion of the GLASI program may
have caused some frustration, but OSCIA staff consulted with OMAFRA and was able to make changes to
make the program funding easier for you to access. I encourage you to seek the funding, and to keep
working on developing new and innovative ways of controlling the phosphorus problem that is such a
challenge. Again, I will extend my gratitude to local members and boards on behalf of OSCIA and encourage
you to approach me with any concerns. The provincial office has also released a Members Survey to get
your thoughts on the organization and how we can better serve agriculture, and it can be completed at
surveymonkey.com/r/OSCIA_MemberSurvey_2015 If you’d like a hard copy, contact RCC Mel Luymes.
UPCOMING EVENTS
HURON SOIL & CROP AGM
Huron Soil & Crop’s AGM will be held on
the evening of February 15th at the
Varna Hall. Join us for dinner and a talk
by Frank Gibbs on ways to improve your
soil. More details will be at
www.huronsoilcrop.org or call Sharon to
register 519 868 8946
Jan 5-6 SWAC
Jan 6-12 GB Farmer’s Week
Jan 21 Perth AGM
Jan 22 YieldSmart
Jan 23 FarmSmart
Feb 9-10 OSCIA AGM
Feb 15 Huron AGM
Feb 16 Heartland Soil Workshop
Feb 23-24 IFAO Conference
Heartland Soil & Crop News | Dec 2015
5
Frank Gibbs to Headline Regional
SOIL WORKSHOP
This February, be sure to catch Frank Gibbs on his
speaking tour through Ontario. He is a soil health
guru from Ohio, and a frequent headliner of the
National No Till Conference in the US. This year, his
workshop there in January is long sold out, so OSCIA
is pleased that Ontario farmers will have the opportunity to see him in February.
Gibbs is a fifth generation farmer near Rawson,
Ohio. After majoring in Agronomy and Soils from
Ohio State University, Gibbs had a long career with
the US Department of Agriculture and the National
Training Centre. He is also certified as a crop consultant and soil classifier and has been involved in
many agricultural organizations. Over his career, he
has developed extensive knowledge of soils and
water, soil compaction, cover crops and manure
and has conducted countless trainings for farmers
and crop advisors as well as for environmentalists
and soil scientists.
After retiring from the USDA, Gibbs formed Wetland and Soil Consulting Services, LLC and continues
to travel and teach farmers across the world. He
has been from Holland to the mountains of Nepal
and Tibet, and to Ecuador and the Amazon Basin.
6
Heartland Soil & Crop News | Dec 2015
His most memorable field day demonstration is the
“smoking tile” in which he blows smoke through a
tile and out of the soil to demonstrates macropore
pathways. These macropores are important for
drainage and for creating deep root pathways, but
they also act as a direct line for manure and fertilizers to reach the tile, which may cause some problems for water quality at the other end.
His soil health message is coming at a very crucial
time for agriculture, as the Great Lakes phosphorus
issue is now impacting farmers on both sides of the
border. Gibbs says that this problem won’t be solved
by government or legislation. “It will be solved by
progressive farmers working with CCA’s, soil scientists and fertilizer dealers using a whole toolbox of
conservation practices for healthy soils, while producing food for the whole world.” He continues by
saying that, “all of us in agriculture need to keep
letting the public know we are doing our part to proactively solve this problem.”
Frank Gibbs will be appearing at Huron Soil & Crop’s
AGM on February 15th in Varna and headlining
Heartland’s Soil Workshop on Tuesday February 16th
in Listowel before heading to Eastern Ontario.
Heartland Region’s
SOIL WORKSHOP
featuring Frank Gibbs
Tuesday, February 16th | 9:30am-3:30pm | Listowel Agricultural Hall
Frank Gibbs, Soil Scientist
An Ohio farmer and frequent headline speaker of the No-Till
conference, Frank Gibbs has spent his career with the USDA,
working with farmers to build and demonstrate soil health. He also
pioneered the “smoke test” through tiles to demonstrate pathways
in the soil.
Also featuring:
Gabrielle Ferguson, OMAFRA Environmental Program Specialist
PANEL:
Blake Vince, Chatham-Kent Innovative Farmer
Anne Verhallen, OMAFRA Soil Management Specialist
John Winger, Wellington County Farmer
Listowel Ag Hall -5699 Hwy 86, Just east of Listowel
$25 for OSCIA members / $30 for non-members
CEU Credits Available - More info at www.heartlandsoilcrop.org
Register before Feb 12th
Online
www.oscia.wildapricot.org/events
Contact Mel Luymes 519 820 2358 or [email protected]
Hosted by: Wellington Soil & Crop Improvement Association
IPM 2012-13 Queen of the Furrow: Sara Little
Queen of the Furrow
Goes No-Till
Farming near Mitchell, 27-year old Sara Wood and her parents
Deb and Don Little are now 6 years into transitioning their
1200 acres to a no-till system with intensive cover cropping.
It’s December and the family has all their acres covered for the
winter with either corn residue or a green crop, including 300
acres of a 10-species mix planted after winter wheat: crimson
clover, annual ryegrass, sorghum sudan, forage peas, Austrian,
black and yellow peas, with sunflower, a bit of tillage radish
and some leftover soybeans.
Photo: Sara Wood
“When we first started planting cover crops, the neighbours
thought we were crazy,” she says, especially when the
sunflowers started to bloom.
This year, they also tried broadcasting annual ryegrass into 50
acres of knee-high corn, followed by a similar reaction from
the neighbours. But Sara says the ryegrass worked great in the
field and helped dry out the untiled field when it came time to
harvest.
“We started with cover crops as a way for us to put nutrients
back into the soil,” Sara begins. Without cattle on the
operation, it was her mother who first insisted they try ‘green
manure.’ Now they are able to cut back nitrogen applications
in relation to their increase in organic matter. This year, they
successfully cut back nitrogen by 40 lbs/acre on 100 acres (at
4.3% OM) without a yield difference.
And though the majority of the cover crops won’t overwinter,
she isn’t afraid to ‘plant green’ in the spring. “The first time we
did it was by accident,” admits Sara. Without an opportunity to
burn down the cover crop, they just planted into it and rain
kept them from spraying until a week after planting. Sara says
the family was worried, and was just as surprised as the
neighbours at how well the corn did. “Now we do it all the
time,” she laughs.
For planting, corn residue is stalk chopped before beans go in
with their air seeder. “We don’t put any trash whippers on
either, we just drive a little slower and it has been fine,” says
Sara. “No faster than 4 and a half miles per hour.”
Photo courtesy of Sara Wood
8
Heartland Soil & Crop News | Dec 2015
She’s found their precision planter has given them more
consistency across the field and the family’s next
experiment will be planting at three different seeding rates
to see what works best for them. They are eyeing up more
of the precision technology, but starting in one piece at a
time. For the past two years they have used Greenseeker
technology to split apply variable rate Nitrogen and found it
worked well for them.
The family has been to the National No-Till conference half
a dozen times. “It’s probably the conference we get the
most out of,” says Sara. Over the years, they’ve learned
more about the importance of earthworms and soil life,
and a lot about cover crops. “You can’t switch to no-till
without putting cover crops into the system,” she argues.
She says that one of the problems is that most of the
information and innovators at
the conference are from the
US, and have different soils
and climates than Perth
County. Still, she is in touch
with cover crop innovators
closer to home, like Laurent
VanArkel and Blake Vince.
time.” It is about building the organic matter and getting
the diversity of soil life back, she says. “And that’s not going
to happen overnight.”
Sara came home to farm in 2013. She got her degree in
Criminal Justice at the University of Guelph, all the while
swimming competitively for the university team. Her
parents advised her to take five years working off-farm
before deciding if she’d like to come back, so she worked in
retail and then on the road for GenerVations. Though she
says she was grateful for her experience, and learned a lot
about different farming practices and philosophies, Sara
couldn’t wait to get back on the farm.
This year, Sara married Chris Wood and now lives a few
concessions from the home farm. She farms full time and
still swims competitively, training 5-6 times a week.
Sara comes from a long line of
farmers, as does her younger
sister Shannon who now studies
Ag Science at the University of
Guelph. Their mother, Deb
Beaumont, grew up farming the
same land, and her brother took
over the dairy side of the
operation, while she continued the cropping. Don Little was
originally from the Markham area but moved to Perth
County in the early 1970’s with his family after visiting for
the International Plowing Match. Sara says that her parents
actually met through the IPM.
“You can’t switch to notill without putting cover
crops into the system.”
If their system wasn’t enough to manage already, the
family grows IP and edible beans, including S03W4s,
S07M8s and black beans. Averaging 58 bushels an acre this
year for conventional no-till beans, Sara says she’s not sold
on Roundup Ready soys. But she admits that with
conventional beans they have to be much better managers.
“You have to be right on top of the weeds and take care of
them right away,” she says.
Sara sees that the cover crops are keeping the weed
populations down, and especially if the cover crop has had
a lot of growth the year before. She also notices that the
cover crops work out compaction and improve drainage
through better water infiltration. She also hopes they will
help manage pests, especially as they start to farm without
neonic-treated seed.
The Littles spend about $40 an acre on their cover crop mix
after wheat and estimate they can save at least that much
on fertilizer and fuel. Sara says they are doing the math to
prove it, but they waited until their system was established,
giving the soil time to recover. “If you do it in the first two
years, you’re just going to turn around and say, well I’m
never trying that again,” she says. “You might not see the
return on investment right away, but you’ve got to give it
Needless to say, the family has long been involved with the
Plowman’s Association. After years of competitive plowing,
and winning the Perth Queen of the Furrow title in 2011,
she competed at the provincial level in 2012. She was more
surprised than anyone to win the title and become
Ontario’s Queen of the Furrow for 2012-2013, and she had
the unique experience of promoting the 2013 IPM which
was held in Perth.
Sara reflects on the question that was asked of each of the
top 5 contestants that year: How does the IPM play a role
into bringing young people into agriculture? Her answer
was simple and rang true. She says and still believes that
the IPM provides “a way for younger generations to talk to
older generations about the past… and the present.” No
doubt that these talks have spanned the generations of
farmers in Sara’s family, and will continue on as they strive
to maintain their soils for the future.
Heartland Soil & Crop News | Dec 2015
9
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JOIN US FOR...
Perth Soil & Crop’s
ANNUAL MEETING
Thursday, January 21st | 5pm– 9pm | $25
Perth East Recreation Centre, Milverton, ON
Featuring: Deb Stark
Deputy Minister of OMAFRA
Tickets are $25**
Social begins at 5:00 pm
Dinner and program begin at 5:30
Register online at oscia.wildapricot.org/events
or contact Thelma Smith at [email protected] / 519 271-5190
** Includes a dinner and one-year OSCIA membership, giving you discounts to SWAC,
FarmSmart & more, a quarterly magazine subscription and a 10% discount on soil sampling!!
Joanna Follings
Joanna Follings, OMAFRA’s brand new Cereals Specialist started off the
day with a presentation on the work of the Ontario Cereal Crops
Committee and demonstrated how farmers can access years of cereal
trial data on www.gocereals.ca. The OCCC coordinates performance
testing on public and private varieties across the province and even
within Wellington county, in conjunction with C&M seeds and the Elora
Research Station. The OCCC uses this data to make recommendations
and the website also allows farmers to run head to head comparisons
on varieties in order to make better decisions when purchasing seed.
The OCCC also acts as a voice for the cereal industry.
Ben Rosser spoke after lunch about nitrogen timing requirements for
corn. Ben worked with Greg Stewart and has now replaced him as
OMAFRA’s Corn Industry Program Lead. Ben shows that there has been
a change in the newer hybrids and they have a higher nitrogen uptake
after tasseling, so there is now more need to make N available later in
the season. However, he highlights the problem of overloading N at the
beginning of the season due to how quickly N can be lost through
leaching (with rain) or volatilization (with heat). Rosser recommends
that farmers delay application and vary rates depending on the year,
suggesting more emphasis on side dressing or an even later top
dressing application, using Y drops or the like, closer to tasseling time.
Meghan Moran
Ben Rosser
Corn Industry Program Lead
This past year marked the retirement of some long-time and rather
infamous OMAFRA staff including Peter Johnson, Greg Stewart, Brian
Hall, and Bonnie Ball. We are pleased to announce a group of talented
young people taking on their roles (respectively): Joanna Follings, Ben
Rosser, Meghan Moran and Jake Munroe (and you can read more about
them in the OMAFRA report). Wellington Soil & Crop profiled two of
these new staff at their AGM on December 4th.
Field Crop Canola and Edible Bean Specialist
Cereal Specialist
Meet OMAFRA’s Newest Staff
Jake Munroe
Field Crop Soil Fertility Specialist
He also highlighted a research project undertaken by OMAFRA to
perfect a one pass spring strip till practice, using ESN (90 day slow
release N) which may stop the need for side dressing.
12
Heartland Soil & Crop News | Dec 2015
An added feature to that project was trying to crop on the contour to
reduce the water erosion from planting up and down slopes. They
created a curved AB line based on topography mapping, and used GPS
technology and a ProTrakker Active Hitch with the beacon on the
implements to ensure the planter stayed in the strips. There were
challenges with knolls, tight turns and technology, but in general, it
seemed to work well.
Be sure to keep an eye on these great new staff!
TRANSFORMING SOIL WITH COVER CROPS
Photos: Stefan Zehetner
Stefan Zehetner, Hensall area farmer and owner of
Huron Cover Crops, is a local cover crop expert and
spoke at Wellington Soil & Crop’s AGM on December 4th
in Alma. He took the crowd through a series of cool
season cover crop options, including sunflowers,
sorghum sudan and buckwheat.
Zehetner is also working on perfecting cover crop mixes
into his twin row corn, and recommended broadcasting
or inter-seeding after 5-leaf stage, but no later than 7leaf otherwise there won’t be time for the cover crop to
establish. He sees the benefits of the roots working
through compacted zones and also notices that it
improves drainage and keeps mud off the combine
tires.
He encouraged farmers to try adding new varieties into
their mix and also said there is no need to burn down or
work up the crop in the fall, because a dead crop on the
field surface will create a soggy mat in the spring.
Instead, he recommended keeping the crop alive and
planting into it while it is still green because the living
roots will dry out the soil more quickly and let him get
on the field faster than the neighbour.
Zehetner also joined the cover crop panel on December
7th at Waterloo’s Annual Meeting, along with Lawrence
Levesque and Ken Nixon.
Levesque, of Mapleseed, encouraged farmers to put
just as much thought into their cover crop as their cash
crop. “First ask yourself what you want it to do,” he
said. Is it for opening up compaction, or for building
organic matter? And how will you irradiate it, through
harvesting or burn down?
Nixon, a Middlesex County farmer and long time notiller, added that it is important to consider how and
when you will plant it. “And do you want it to be a sink
or a source for nitrogen,” he added. For his operation,
cover crops accelerate residue decomposition. When
going to a no-tillage system twenty years ago, Nixon
L-R, Levesque, Nixon, Zehetner
described a 3-5 year period which he termed ‘the valley
of the shadow of death.’ But he argued that cover crops
help the soil biology change more quickly and mitigate
some of the problems in transitioning to no-till. On that
note, Nixon challenged the group to use alfalfa in their
rotations to springboard into no-till. “It’s perfect, why
would anyone plow that?” he questioned. “By burning
down the crop in the fall, most any planter would be
able to go straight into that in the spring.”
The discussion also hinged around when to terminate
the cover crop. Zehetner said if the crop doesn’t
overwinter, it can’t hold on to nitrogen, so that’s why
he likes to keep it alive for as long as possible. “It will
release the nutrients closer to the time your cash crop
will actually need it,” he said. But, that being said, if the
crop is getting out of control in the fall (ie. radish
threatening tiles) it may be best to terminate it.
In terms of multi-species mixes, Zehetner said farmers
would do well to mimic nature and nature is never a
monoculture. He has planted up to a 21-way mix and
said that a greater diversity of species planted means
that the field will be green from end to end, because if
one doesn’t take off in a certain spot, another will.
In terms of cover crop cost, Levesque sung the praises
of clover because, at under $3 an acre, it is the only
crop that will pay for itself in nitrogen savings.
Zehetner said that the most expensive mix he ever
made was $28/acres for an 18 species mix to a Huron
county farmer that now grows high-yielding corn with
only 120-130 lbs of N.
Levesque went on to encourage soil testing and pay
close attention to organic matter and micronutrients as
well. “The nutrients in the soil become the nutrients in
our food,” he said. “And the healthier your soil, the less
inputs you will need.” Both presentation sparked a
lively discussion and left the crowds with a lot of food
for thought.
Heartland Soil & Crop News | Dec 2015
13
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WHEAT PETE
Talks Corn & Beans Too
Peter Johnson headlined Waterloo Soil & Crop’s Annual Meeting and, as usual,
inspired a lively discussion as he reflected back on the 2015 growing season.
It started with frost, as most will recall. Johnson himself was astounded by corn
and beans that looked as if they would survive, based on a healthy-looking growth
point, only to die off a few days later. Farmers noted that their no-till or strip-tilled
beans were the most damaged by the frost and Johnson explained that no-tilled
soil is actually warmer but the surface residue acts as a blanket to keep the heat in
the ground and not extend it to the plants above the surface. Still, he said, it was
the first time in his 30 year career that he had seen that much frost damage and
suggested that the long term benefits of no-till far outweigh the occasional need to replant. “Don’t throw the baby out with the
bathwater,” he warned.
Johnson then showed data from an Eastern Ontario soybean trial showing 30” rows yielding higher than 15” rows and with a
lower seeding rate of 120,000. Farmers in the US have bought into the wider rows because it works with one planter. Still,
Johnson isn’t quite convinced because, although the Eastern Ontario test plot was replicated a number of times, it was only for
one year and only one variety. And Horst Bohner’s research on 30” soybeans in Perth County isn’t showing the same great results.
Johnson moved on to wheat and showed some Huron County evidence of wheat that had 8-10 tillers per plant. He said having 4
leaves and 2 tillers a plant is a great way to head into winter, because snow mould spreads leaf to leaf and having a thick mat of
wheat isn’t ideal for a December. And disease in the fall may mean a need for early fungicide on your wheat in the spring, he said.
“A typical seeding rate of 1.5-1.6 million per acre is alright if you’re planting in October,” said Johnson, “but if you’re planting
earlier you should cut it back.” In his trials, a seeding rate of 900,000 for an early planting didn’t give him any yield penalty.
Johnson also recommended splitting N application on wheat, with the second application around May 15-20th though he admits
farmers may have better things to do around that particular time. As for splitting N on corn, however, he is adamant. Newer
hybrids are taking up much more nitrogen after tasseling and splitting nitrogen reduces risk of loss in the meantime. With every
inch of rain, Johnson said, nitrogen will move further down into the soil, though the corn roots are still able to pull that back up.
After nine inches of rain though, that N is likely lost forever. The biggest loss, however, comes through denitrification and he
warned that farmers on clay soils should be especially wary as the more clay in the soil, the higher the risk of losses.
“The one thing I’ve learned in my 30+ years is never starve a crop for N,” said Johnson. By the same token, he continued, don’t
overshoot because there’s a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico and we can’t have nitrates in our water. And 30 years of research
over 800 sites have proven that 10-20% less nitrogen is required if side-dressing, so it’s not only better for the environment, but
saves money for the farmer. A win-win.
Heartland Soil & Crop News | Dec 2015
15
DEALING WITH A CHANGING CLIMATE
Bruce
Kelly,
Environmental
Program Manager at Farm &
Food Care Ontario, teased out
the issues related to climate
change at Wellington Soil &
Crop’s AGM on December 4th.
He starts with some statistics
showing that we’ve now lived
through the warmest 30 year
period in the last 1400 years and
our frost free days have been
increasing by 18 days over the
last century. Paradoxically, these changes have brought warmer
temperatures to Northern Ontario, while the Southern Ontario
fruit and vegetable growing regions have been hammered by
severe winters and late frosts in recent years.
Kelly suggests the moderating effects of the Great Lakes means
we aren’t frying here in Southern Ontario and this might also be
attributable to changing jet stream patterns that bring us cooler
weather from the north, including polar vortexes.
We don’t farm the averages, says Kelly. While average
temperatures climb by a few degrees, he notes that farmers are
already planning for the extremes of a few weeks of -30 degrees
in the winter and 30 degrees in the summer. And while average
rainfall changes, the timing and intensity of these rainfalls will be
crucial. Climate models are showing that extreme weather may
be the new normal.
This will impact roads and infrastructure, agricultural productivity,
soil health, pests and diseases pressures as they slowly expand
their range.
Apart from the direct impacts of climate on Ontario production,
we are also impacted indirectly from climate changes and weird
weather in other places around the world. For example, with
increasing temperature and a decreasing water supply in
California, the agricultural productivity there is expected to
decline and will influence our food prices. Climate changes in
developing countries lead to natural disasters and mass
migrations of people, causing further social unrest globally.
He emphasizes farmers’ efforts to both mitigate and adapt to
climate change. Efforts to plant trees and sequester carbon in
the soil are part of the solution to reducing carbon levels and
mitigate its weather effects. Adaptation is about managing the
changing weather, through efforts like building irrigation ponds
and developing drought/flood tolerant crops.
A way to both mitigate and adapt to the changing climate is
through building soil health and reducing soil erosion. Kelly
highlights the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE2)
which is a free software download from OMAFRA that will
estimate a field’s risk to soil erosion based on slope grade and
length, soil type and management practice. In his example,
incorporating cover crops and using a no-till system lost 4
tonnes/acre/year less soil than if under conventional practice.
And to contextualize 1 tonne/ acre of soil is just the thickness of
2 pieces of paper across that acre, but it is 20 bushels of soil.
“Soil erosion is still enemy number one in the fight against
phosphorus runoff,” he says. Kelly points to research across
North America showing that 65% of phosphorus is lost in the
spring thaw and a further 25% is lost in the three biggest storms
of the year. There will be no easy answers, but soil is a good
place to start, he concludes.
Wellington Soil & Crop would like to thank its Gold and Silver level sponsors for 2015!
Once you’ve met with a CCA to complete the Farmland Health
Checkup and if you’ve completed an EFP in the last five years, then
you are eligible for cost share funding that will cover 8 categories of
Best Management Practices (BMPs) Cover Crops; Adding Organic
Amendments; Crop Nutrient Plans; Buffer Strips; Field Windbreaks/
Windstrips; Tillage and Equipment Modifications; Erosion Control
Structures; and Fragile Land Retirement. Projects must be done by
February 15, 2016 so don’t put this off! See www.ontariosoilcrop.org/
en/programs.htm for all the details.
CROP TALK
Volume 15, Issue 4
OMAFRA Field Crop Specialists — Your Crop Info Source
Table of Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Fall Soil Management
Environmentally Sustainable
Utilization of Nitrogen on Corn
Managing Phosphorus to Maintain
Yield and Water Quality
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Moving into Homes for the Winter
ZoneSmart Explored Making
Management Zones
Let’s meet the new members of our
teams
Follow Us On Twitter
and
FieldCropNews.com !
Current field crop
information as it
happens!
@onfieldcrops
Brought to You by the Following OMAFRA
Crop Specialists
Scott Banks, Emerging Crops Specialist
Tracey Baute, Field Crop Entomologist
Horst Bohner, Soybean Specialist
Christine Brown, Nutrient Management Program
Lead
Mike Cowbrough, Weed Management Program
Lead
Joanna Follings, Cereals Specialist
Adam Hayes, Soil Management Specialist - Field
Crops
Jack Kyle, Grazier and Forage Specialist
Ian McDonald, Applied Research Coordinator
Meghan Moran, Canola and Edible Bean
Specialist
Jake Munroe, Soil Fertility Specialist
Ben Rosser, Corn Industry Program Lead
Albert Tenuta, Field Crop Pathologist
Dawn Pate, Manager
Editor: Jack Kyle, Grazier and Forage Specialist
Compiled by: Julie Desrosiers
November, 2015
Fall Soil Management
Adam Hayes, Soil Management Specialist OMAFRA
Keep the Soil Covered this Fall and Winter
As crop harvest nears completion it is important to consider what cover
the soil has heading into the winter. Soil erosion continues to be a
problem and sediment carried off fields into surface water can be a
significant contributor to phosphorus in the Great Lakes. A lot of attention
has been focused on the algal blooms in the lakes and agriculture is
expected to help reduce the amount of phosphorus entering surface
water. Farmers should do what they can to minimize the loss of
phosphorus from fields. Keeping the soil covered and installing erosion
control measures will greatly reduce the sediment contribution of
phosphorus.
Leaving at least 50% soil cover going into the winter will provide sufficient
protection to the soil and should result in at least 30% cover after planting.
For soybean or edible bean residue this means doing little or no tillage.
One pass with vertical tillage is about all that could be done. Of course
fields planted into winter wheat already have a “cover crop” to help protect
the soil over the winter. Leaving corn and cereal residue will provide the
most protection but if some tillage must be done a chisel plow, disc or
vertical tillage are a few options. Avoid too much tillage so at least 50%
residue is left on the surface. Keep in mind implements that move a lot of
soil like chisel plows or other plows contribute to tillage erosion.
Some cover crops were planted early and have very good growth. Others
were planted late or did not receive much rainfall so do not have much
growth. Residue from cover crops with good growth can be left untouched
over winter depending on crop species, soil type and the amount of
growth. Most cover crops do not leave an excessive amount of residue on
the soil by spring and can be planted into with little or no tillage. Cover
crops with poor growth this fall, depending on the amount of crop residue,
can be left untouched to keep the ground covered. Most fields where red
clover was seeded had excellent stands and growth. Leaving these
stands until the end of October before termination provides the maximum
nitrogen credit, biomass accumulation and soil improving benefits.
Phosphorus Considerations
Phosphorus also enters surface water in runoff. Phosphorus in runoff
largely comes from fertilizer and manure applications. Phosphorus
fertilizer and manure applications this fall should not be left on the soil
surface, especially on sloping land. If applied to the soil surface it should
be worked in immediately. Alternatively it should be banded in the soil.
1
Environmentally Sustainable Utilization
of Nitrogen on Corn
A VERIS soil sensor is used at each location to measurer
CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity), pH and organic matter
to characterize the soils into management zones while
enhancing our understanding of soil/nitrogen relationships.
UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) maps are taken at 3 stages
during the growing season to look for differences in
treatments and field management zones. Pre-side-dress
nitrogen test (PSNT) soil samples are taken from the
Starter N at Planting Only (treatment 6) strips within the
treatments at each site. At harvest, yield monitors will
collect continuous side-by-side yield data to compare
different N rates and application timings across the field
management zones.
Scott Banks, Emerging Crop Specialist, OMAFRA
The Environmentally Sustainable Utilization of Nitrogen on
Corn or better known as the “Y-Drop” project, was initiated
in the spring of 2015 and involves 10 farm co-operators
and local agri-business partners in eastern Ontario.
Objective:
To improve nitrogen use efficiency for sustainable corn
production, while enhancing the environment. This project
will evaluate the yield response to comparable nitrogen
rates applied at various timings: starter at planting, side
dress N, and a late application applied at the 10 to 14 corn Project Partner:
leaf stage.
Grower co-operators involved in this project are: Agrodrain
Systems Ltd., Brugmans Farms, Cedar Lodge Farms,
Background:
Hilltone Farms Ltd., Jockbrae Farms Ltd., Kemp Farms
Recent research has shown that today’s hybrids use more Inc., Nandale Farms Ltd., Panmure Farms Ltd., Vanden
nitrogen (N) post-tassel than hybrids of the 1990’s and Bosch Farms and Vernon Valley Farms Ltd.
earlier. Today’s hybrids take up to 37% of the total N post- This project is also supported by several agri-business
tassel. New equipment such as the Y Drop™ is available partners; 360 Yield Center, Cropland Consulting Inc.,
to give growers the ability to apply late-season nitrogen Dekalb, DuPont Pioneer, GPS Ontario, OMAFRA, OSCIA,
even up to tassel.
Ottawa-Carleton SCIA, P.T. Sullivan Agro Inc., & SGS AgriFood Laboratories. Funding for this project is in part from
N uptake prior to flowering supports critical ear shoot the Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association – Tier
development, kernel number and potential kernel size. Two grant and the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers
Corn growers have traditionally targeted N availability to Association.
this period, and considered post-flowering application to be
of little value.
Where from here:
2015 is the first of a 3 –year project. A report will
Given the variability in soil type and environmental summarize the data collected and will be posted on the
conditions from year to year, nitrogen use efficiency may OSCIA
Crop
Advances
website;
(http://
be improved by applying a portion of the required nitrogen www.ontariosoilcrop.org/en/resources/cropadvances.htm).
closer to when the corn plant will take up the nitrogen. Stay tuned for more about the results of this project at the
Research work in the United States has shown favorable local Soil & Crop Improvement Association and at the
yield increases and improved nitrogen utilization while Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association – Annual
minimizing potential water quality concerns. However, little Meetings.
research work has been conducted to date in Ontario
assessing these corn nitrogen management changes.
Project Description:
10 locations with 6 treatments and 3 replications. An example of the six treatments are:
Starter
N
30
Sidedress
N
100
Late
N
30
60
40
130
30
50
25
105
GR - increased rate by 30 to 50 lbs/ac
30
150
GRa - increased rate, split approximately - 2/3b, 1/3c
30
30
100
GR
a
a
b
c
GR - split approximately - 2/3 , 1/3
a
b
GR Reduced rate by 25 to 30 (lbs/ac) - 2/3 , 1/3
c
a
Starter N at Planting Only (N up to 40 lbs/ac)
a
GR = Grower’s Current N Rate
sidedress
c
late applied (V10 to V14 corn stage)
pounds per acre (lbs/ac)
b
2
Total N
130
180
50
180
30
Figure 2—Y Drop in field application- Vernon Valley Farms Ltd.
July 2015
Figure 1- Y Drop row unit applicators - Vernon Valley Farms Ltd.
July 2015
Managing Phosphorus to Maintain Yield
and Water Quality
point (anywhere near 40 ppm Olsen P and above,
depending on the study), below which risk of dissolved
phosphorus loss through tiles is much lower. Fortunately,
Jake Munroe, Soil Fertility Specialist, OMAFRA
this threshold is well above the critical soil test P levels
required for optimal crop production in Ontario (see Pub.
You may be wondering why there are such problems in
811, Agronomy Guide for Field Crops).
Lake Erie. Algal blooms have returned to the lake and are
causing some major environmental and human health
impacts. Lake Erie is the shallowest, warmest, smallest,
and southern-most of the Great Lakes. This makes it
particularly vulnerable to eutrophication, which is the
enrichment of water by growth-limiting nutrients, such as
phosphorus (P). What role does phosphorus play and how
can the risk of P loss be reduced while maintaining
productivity?
Phosphorus in surface waters
When it comes to phosphorus fertilizer, common knowledge
used to be that applied P was tightly bound to soil and
mostly did not move within the soil profile. Today, we know
that in addition to the loss of particulate phosphorus
through soil erosion, phosphorus in the form of dissolved P
can also leave the field through tile drains. In fact, this has
been identified as a major contributor to P loss from farm
fields in Ohio. We also know that the majority of
phosphorus (anywhere from 60-80%) lost from farm fields
is lost during the non-growing season.
Does Soil Test P Matter?
As for soil test level, it does matter. If your Olsen P test
level is very high, dissolved reactive phosphorus is at
greater risk of leaching. Research shows, however, that
there appears to be a soil test level threshold, or change
3
Particulate P: Also known as sediment P, it is the
form of P that can be attached to soil particles and
in suspension.
Dissolved P: The portion of phosphorus that
passes through a 0.45-micron filter. The majority of
it is comprised of dissolved reactive phosphorus
(DRP).
Total P: The sum of particulate and dissolved P.
4 Key Practices That Ensure Proper Fertility and The issue of phosphorus in Lake Erie has been gaining
Reduced Risk of P Loss:
widespread attention recently. This past June, the Premier
of Ontario and Governors of Michigan and Ohio signed a
1. Maintain soil P test levels within a moderate,
Collaborative Agreement that set a target of a 40%
agronomic range. Excessively high phosphorus test
levels can increase risk for loss of both particulate and phosphorus load reduction (from 2008 levels) to the
dissolved phosphorus and also interfere with zinc western basin of Lake Erie by 2025. The interim
aspirational target is a 20% reduction by 2020. Although
uptake.
2. Consider practices that improve water infiltration. other targets will also be set shortly, phosphorus loading
Although losses of phosphorus through tile drains have into Lake Erie has become a major issue in southwestern
been recognized to play a significant role in parts of Ontario. Algal blooms have returned to Lake Erie, after
Ontario, surface run-off and loss of particulate P
many years since the blooms of the 1960s and 70s. The
through water erosion is a major factor. Reduced
tillage, lengthened crop rotation, and cover crops are summer of 2014’s algae bloom that left 500,000 Toledo,
practices that, especially when combined, can increase Ohio residents without drinking water sparked public
awareness of the issue and its impacts.
infiltration.
3. Minimize phosphorus applications during the nongrowing season. The best available data show that P
from fall and winter applied manure and fertilizer is at
higher risk of loss than spring applied P.
4. Avoid broadcast and surface applications of
phosphorus if possible. Banded fertilizer P has been
shown to be more effective than broadcasted P in
Ontario. In no-till scenarios, consider sub-surface
banding of P to minimize risk of loss.
It’s Not Only About Phosphorus
Although there will undoubtedly be a focus on phosphorus
in the coming months and years, it is very important to
bear in mind that good soil management and soil health is
key. Often, practices that reduce phosphorus loss from
fields are the same practices that increase soil health and
boost your bottom line. Healthy soil infiltrates water and
reduces soil erosion and the associated phosphorus loss.
Healthy soil has higher natural fertility and allows you to
get more out of your fertilizer inputs. And healthy soil
handles stresses, such as heavy rains and extended dry
spells, much better. It will be critical to keep the big picture
in mind as we address this challenge as an industry.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Moving
into Homes for the Winter
Figure 1 — Surface runoff from a field in the non-growing
season - a major pathway of phosphorus loss. Photo credit:
Christine Brown.
related to stink bugs, are also shield-shaped and have a
triangle. Western conifer seed bugs, box elder bugs, and
squash bugs are just a few true bugs that homeowners find
Tracey Baute, Field Crop Entomologist – Program Lead,
and confuse for BMSB. The difference between stink bugs
OMAFRA
and these other true bugs is that the stink bug’s “shield” is
This is the time of year when brown marmorated stink bug almost as wide as it is long (Figure 1). Other true bugs are
(BMSB) start to head back to their overwintering sites – our “skinnier” than stink bugs; that is their shields are longer
homes! It is therefore also a good time to learn how to rec- than they are wide.
ognize BMSB from the other bugs that might also try to
take advantage of your hospitality for the winter.
The first step to determine if it is at least a stink bug. Other
types of insects also make their way into homes. Look at
the shape of the insect. All stink bugs are shield-shaped
and have a triangle on their backs. But true bugs, closely
4
Figure 1. Similarities and differences between stink bugs and other true bugs.
If you have figured out that you are indeed looking at a stink bug, then you have to look closer to determine if it is BMSB
(Figure 2).




Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)
two white bands on each antennae
smooth shoulders (not saw-toothed)
legs with poorly defined white band
abdominal margins have pattern of white inward
pointing triangles alternating with dark areas
Figure 2. Distinguishing features of brown marmorated stink bug.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Adult
Photo credit: Jennifer Read, NRCan
5
ZoneSmart Explored Making
Management Zones
and the tools needed to define and partition that variability
can relate to some or all of the components of the pillars
shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 also points out that there are a
Nicole Rabe, Ben Rosser and Ian McDonald, OMAFRA
number of technologies, from basic to very complex, that
can be used to gather the “data” used in the management
On September 10th about 160 people gathered in a field on zone making process.
the east side of Guelph to explore the processes behind
making management zones and thus be able to use site In the morning, ZoneSmart explored the main pillars of
specific management to optimize crop production across a data that can be utilized including Yield, Elevation and Soil
field.
Properties. Participants received a comprehensive
workbook that duplicated the many posters used to explain
The FarmSmart Organizing Committee had announced the key points at each stop (available at: http://bitly.com/
ZoneSmart in July during FarmSmart Expo at the UG Elora FSZoneSmart15Workbook). These pillars were discussed
Research Station. It was suggested that this important through rotation of small groups to the various stations
emerging topic needed a dedicated day to thoroughly cover where our assembled speakers, including academic,
its many components thoroughly. The whole concept of extension, industry and farmer experts in Precision
management zones and site specific management is still Agriculture, discussed the topics and answered questions.
pretty new to a lot of people. While it’s been reported a While the pillars were explained separately at each station,
great deal, the actual on the ground experience with it in what was made clear to all was the importance of
Ontario has been minimal. The idea behind ZoneSmart integration of the various layers of data.
was to spend a “hands on day” in the field getting to know
the various components that can be used to make high
resolution, stable management zones.
The point of management zones is that every field has
some amount of variability across its landscape. The
amount varies because of a lot of factors; soil type,
elevation, slope shape, soil properties (pH, OM, CEC, N, P,
K, micros, texture, etc), crop rotation, past management
etc. The broad and dynamic process of creating
management zones can best be illustrated by Figure 1.
While Figure 1 appears quite complex, it’s important to
understand that finding your way to the Management Zone
definition end point doesn’t mean that you have to do every Figure 2— Yield Station with Dr. Mike Duncan, Niagara
aspect of this approach. The purpose of the day was to College and Dan Breckon of Woodrill Farms exploring the
explore the various options. Many factors cause the theory and practice of working with multi-year yield data.
variability that can be exploited with management zones,
Figure 1— The Management Zone Making Process
6
The event participants learned new terms like “terrain
analysis”, “Kernalling”, Predictive Digital Soil Mapping”
among others. The series of posters presented at each
station walked participants through the steps of data
gathering, cleaning, managing and processing that
ultimately lead to the end product, a Management Zone
Map. Keep in mind that although this map can be printed
like any traditional map, its real strength is that it is a digital
map. The value of this is that it can have various
“prescriptions” for nutrients, seed population, seed variety,
among other inputs attached to the various zones within the
map. This prescription map file can then be uploaded into
the controller of suitably outfitted equipment and using
GPS/GIS technology, know exactly where it is in the field
and what amount of a type of input should be applied to
each zone. The operator has to do very little except monitor
that the equipment is being guided by the prescription maps
and operating efficiently.
Figure 4—Best Practices in Data Management Session with
Industry Experts.
For more in-depth reading on this topic, follow the Precision
Ag series that has been running in the GFO Grain Producer
Magazine over the last few months (http://gfo.ca/Research/
Understanding-Precision-Ag ). Previous articles can be
found at links on left side of main page.
FarmSmart would like to thank our host, Woodrill Farms, for
all the work they put in to make this day possible. We
greatly appreciate the contribution by our speakers
including:
Yield: Mike Duncan, Niagara College and Dan Breckon,
Woodrill Farms
Figure 3- Soils Station. Brett Schuyler from Norfolk explains Elevation: Stewart Sweeney, OMAFRA and Ryan Marshall,
how he is using Predictive Digital Soil Maps in the manage- Milton
ment of his diverse field and horticultural crop operation.
Over lunch, Doug Aspinall (OMAFRA) spoke on the
Integrated Analysis Process that brings together the various
data layers to create the digital Management Zone Map.
Still in its infancy, Doug uses a series of commercial and
free software to process the data to come up with the
management zones. The workflow to process the data at
this time remains relatively complex.
Soils: Doug Aspinall, OMAFRA and Brett Schuyler,
Schuyler Farms Norfolk
Remote and Proixmal Sensing: Nicole Rabe, OMAFRA,
Slava Adamchuck, McGill University and Paul Raymer,
Practical Precision
Best Practices in Data Management: Karon Cowan,
AgTech GIS, Embro; Mike Wilson, Thompsons, Blenheim,
There also was an industry panel who showcased work with Jason Van Maanen, Veritis, Chatham and Greg Kitching,
producers and demonstrated some of the software tools Premier Equipment, Elmira.
available to help farmers manage the reams of data that
comes with precision ag (Figure 4). There are various The efforts of the following organizations and companies
software tools available for managing and working with the who helped to gather data layers for this event including
various layers of data generated. These individuals and Woodrill Farms, OMAFRA, University of Guelph, McGill
others are available to assist producers as they pursue University, Nithfield Advanced Agronomy, Premier
adoption of this exciting technology.
Equipment, Practical Precision and Ag Business and Crop
Inc is greatly appreciated.
The afternoon was spent back in the field exploring the
trade show, featuring many of the companies and The event was not possible without the generous
technologies available in Ontario to make Precision Ag contributions of our sponsors who participated in our trade
work. We also took participants out to the field to show how show in what was a new and yet to be proven event. Your
all the hard work of data collection and processing explored support was critical to the event and we thank you.
in the morning could be applied to map unique zones
across a field landscape, so that various inputs could be Finally thanks to the team from Farms.com who, as our
optimized by the varying yield potential, elevation and soil media sponsor, helped us get the word out and attract a
properties distributed across the landscape.
very enthusiastic and hungry-for-information crowd from
across Ontario.
7
also provided an opportunity to build a strong network
across the Ontario agricultural sector while assessing and
monitoring a wide range of AAC funded projects.
Hopefully we will see this event repeated again in 2016 and
we look forward to seeing you then. In the meantime mark
your calendars for this winters FarmSmart events including
YieldSmart and FarmSmart Ag Conference planned for
January 22-23.
Joanna completed her M.Sc. in Weed Science from the
University of Guelph with a focus on glyphosate resistant
giant ragweed in soybeans. Through her Masters research
she obtained experience in field and greenhouse research
and developed a strong understanding of research
methods and practices to support Ontario crop production.
Joanna will work out of the Stratford OMAFRA office and
can
be
reached
at
519.271.8180
or
[email protected]
Figure 5 - Doug Aspinall of OMAFRA and Dan Breckon of
Woodrill Farms explain how all the data layers collected from
this field result in a Management Zone Map that allows inputs to be spatially managed across the diverse landscape
of this 60 ac field.
Let’s meet the new members of our
teams
Jake Munroe is the new Field Crop Soil Fertility
Specialist for OMAFRA.
Jake brings a combination of practical field experience,
applied research and training to the role of Soil Fertility
Specialist. While working as a Plant and Soil Health
Advisor in Southwestern Ontario, Jake regularly monitored
crops for nutrient deficiencies and interpreted soil tests to
develop crop fertility programs for clients. In this role he
shared information on soil fertility, soil health and soil
biology through field days, plot demonstrations and
presentations.
Recently his work as a Research
Technician at the University of Guelph has focused on the
effects of long-term rotation and tillage practices on
microbial communities in the soil.
Joanna Follings is the new Cereals Specialist with the
Field Crop Unit of OMAFRA and has a strong passion for
the agriculture industry.
Joanna was raised on a dairy and cash crop farm near Ayr,
Ontario. She joined OMAFRA in 2013 as a Research
Analyst in the Research and Innovation Branch where she
assessed and administered research programs and
identified research priorities for Ministry investments related
to the Plant Production Systems research theme. She also
worked on the ARIO infrastructure strategy, developing an
integrated field crops system and was a member of the
Multi-Ministry Pollinator Health Working Group.
Jake has a Bachelor of Science degree from Acadia
University in Nova Scotia and a Master’s degree in
Physical Geography from the University of Toronto.
Jake will work out of the Stratford OMAFRA office and can
be reached at 519.271.9269 or [email protected]
Her previous work experiences at DuPont Pioneer as a
Research Associate and BASF as an Associate
Representative provided a foundation for basic agronomic
practices in row and horticultural crops. Her previous
employment with the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC)
8
As the Research Coordinator for the Grain Farmers of
Ontario Meghan has developed her knowledge in field crop
production and applied research.
This role enabled Meghan to develop strong connections in
the Ontario agricultural sector and agricultural research
community while identifying issues and trends in crop
production practices and contributing to developing crop
production recommendations. Meghan’s skills in accessing
and communicating research results will be a valuable
asset in her new role as the Canola and Edible Bean
Specialist.
Meghan has a MSc. in Plant Agriculture from the University
of Guelph. Meghan will work out of the Stratford OMAFRA
Ben Rosser is the new Field Crop Corn Industry office and can be reached at 519.271.3495 or
[email protected]
Program Lead for OMAFRA.
Prior to joining OMAFRA Ben was a Research Technician
with the University of Guelph where his primary focus has
been on applied research projects investigating corn
agronomic practices. These projects enabled Ben to gain
experience and knowledge in corn nitrogen rate and
application methods, tillage and residue management,
starter fertilizers, and the use of different precision
agriculture technologies. Additional experiences include
other custom on-farm research activities, crop scouting and
on-farm work. Ben’s role at the University and in working
closely with Field Crop Unit staff on many projects, has
given him the opportunity of developing a strong
knowledge of the corn production system in Ontario.
Ben has a BSc. in Agriculture and MSc. in Plant Agriculture
from the University of Guelph. Ben is originally from
Denfield, ON. Ben has a strong interest in applied
agronomy research, and would like to continue to apply it
as new developments and challenges arise in Ontario corn
production.
Manure & By-Products Engineer and Feed Ingredients &
By-Products Specialist
Several familiar faces have left OMAFRA in the past few
months, along with a wealth of knowledge and experience
that they shared with Ontario farmers. Luckily there are a
few new faces that have joined the Woodstock team.
Please make a point of introducing yourself to them as they
travel the agricultural roads of Ontario.
I will start by introducing “the new Don Hilborn” – in position
title only. Brian Dickson is the Manure and By-Products
Agriculture Engineer in Woodstock. Brian grew up on a
farm in Dunnville, along the Grand River. The farm
operation included growing market vegetables, cash crops,
and maple syrup. After leaving the farm, Brian studied
Agriculture Production and Management at Ridgetown
College. He continued his education at Western University
Ben will work out of the Crop Science Building at the and graduated in 1993 with a degree in Mechanical
University of Guelph Main Campus and can be reached at engineering.
519.824.4120 ext 54865 or [email protected] .
Upon completing his engineering degree, Brian participated
in several key industries, including drinking water and
waste water treatment in the municipal market, Case IH –
Hamilton Plant, John Deere – Welland Works, and a
general contractor building ICI projects.
Brian has been busy since his start in July, getting
introduced to manure and by-product issues. He will be
involved in the next generation of anaerobic digesters,
especially as municipalities introduce new technologies for
waste diversion. Precision agriculture and manure
application sound like contradictory concepts, however
Brian will be evaluating precision agriculture potential as it
applied to manure equipment technology. In addition and
tongue in cheek, Brian will be able to recite the Nutrient
Management Act, section by section and participate in
advancing the AgriSuite (NMAN) software.
Meghan Moran is the new Field Crop Canola and Edible
Bean Specialist for OMAFRA.
9
Secondly, I would like to introduce Anita Heeg, who is
taking over the Feed Ingredients and By Products
Specialist position that was held by Ron Lackey. She will
be working out of the Woodstock Resource Centre. Anita
was born in the Netherlands and came to Ontario with her
family as a young girl. Anita grew up on a dairy farm in
Salford. She completed her undergraduate degree at the
University of Guelph with a major in Animal Biology.
introducing new feed ingredients to the animal feed market,
and following how they impact animal growth and
production as well as manure nutrient composition.
When visiting the Woodstock Resource Centre at 401
Lakeview Drive, come by and say hello to Brian and Anita.
If you would like to contact them by email or phone, their
contact information is listed below.
For the past 8 years, Anita has worked as a Dairy
Specialist with Alltech dealing with feed additives and
mycotoxin related issues. In her new position with
OMAFRA, she will look at the utilization of various feed
ingredients, including food waste, and by products for
livestock. Some of her projects will include developing and
[email protected]
[email protected]
Phone – 519-537-7928
Phone – 519 537 7607
401 Lakeview Drive
Woodstock, ON
N4T 1W2
Office: 519-537-6621
Fax 519-539-5351
Agricultural Information Contact Centre:
1-877-424-1300
E-mail: [email protected]
www.ontario.ca/omafra
©Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2013
10
OSCIA
NEWS
Message from the President - Alan Kruszel
I hope harvest is winding down and
yields were at or above expectations!
For the most part, here in Eastern
Ontario we've been very fortunate to
harvest at or near record corn and
soybean crops. As I write this, several
local elevators are having trouble
handling the volume from this large
corn crop!
OSCIA has been very busy over the past few months. We
attended Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) in
Woodstock and the International Plowing Match (IPM) in
Finch. Both of these events were just outstanding and
kudos to the organizers for the great success! At COFS I,
along with several other farm leaders took part in an
announcement unveiling Farm, Food and Beyond, Our
Commitment to Sustainability. It is a document outlining
our vision of where we see Ontario farms heading on the
sustainability front. Our vision includes a multi-commodity
Farm and Food Sustainability Plan that builds on the
incredibly successful Environmental Farm Plan and similar
initiatives by expanding the scope into a whole farm plan
that will address both environmental practices as well as
economic and social issues important for sustainability. For
more information please see www.sustainablefarms.ca
We have been in discussions with OMAFRA to explore
options on how to utilize the expertise of specialists in the
field crop unit to best serve the needs of the local and
regional associations. We've been actively pursuing the
naming of a provincial soil (since it is the International
Year of Soils after all) and we are also taking part in the
Ministry's Agricultural Soil Health Working Group that is
investigating and collecting information on the extent of
soil-related challenges, including farming practices that
affect soil health and will increase the sector’s resilience by
adapting to climate change.
Meeting season is just around the corner, so make sure to
get out to your local Soil and Crop annual meeting! They
are packed with guest speakers, information on local trials,
CROP ADVANCES
Applied Research on Soil & Crop management
information available on the OSCIA website:
www.ontariosoilcrop.org
activity reports as well as a quick overview of provincial
activities not to mention many have great food!
To support our strategic planning process we plan to
introduce a member survey this fall. We hope you will take
the opportunity of completing it online or on paper. You’ll
find out more from your Regional Director at the local
annual meeting.
Don't forget the Provincial Annual Meeting taking place at
the Lamplighter in London on February 9-10, 2016. We've
got a great lineup of speakers, we'll be introducing the new
OMAFRA field crop staff, the new OSCIA Soil Champion
will be unveiled and we'll have some excellent reports to
share with you. I hope to see you there!
Alan Kruszel, President, OSCIA
[email protected]
A NEWSLETTER TO UPDATE
OSCIA MEMBERS, PRESIDENTS, SECRETARIES,
TREASURERS, DIRECTORS,
AND OMAFRA AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT
CONTACTS
Table of Contents
Message from the President
OSCIA Visitor Satisfaction Survey Winners
“More OSCIA Membership Benefits!”
OSGA Annual Meeting - December 8th
2015 Ontario Forage Master Winner
“SARFIP: what’s in it for you?”
OSCIA Annual Meeting - Feb. 9-10, 2016
Soil Champion Nomination Announcement
Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association
1 Stone Road West, Guelph ON N1G 4Y2
Phone: (519) 826-4214 or 1-800-265-9751
Fax: (519) 826-4224
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ontariosoilcrop.org
OSCIA NEWS - November 2015
1
OSCIA Visitor Satisfaction Survey Winners
Two winners have been randomly selected from
participants who completed the COFS OSCIA/OMAFRA
Demonstration area satisfaction survey.
One of the conditions for the provincial funding support
that OSCIA receives, requires us to conduct surveys at
some of the major events where we collaborate with the
Ministry. Results from the surveys helps us determine how
satisfied you were with the experience, and where we can
do better.
The survey was for those who attended Canada’s Outdoor
Farm Show (September 15-17, 2015) and visited the
OSCIA/OMAFRA Demonstration Area.
The survey was posted from September 25 through October
20, 2015 only.
The winners of the two $50 gift cards are:
D. Gloor, Perth County and
H. Soers, Bruce County
Amber Van De Peer, Executive Assistant, OSCIA
More OSCIA Membership Benefits!
In an effort to encourage more frequent and regular soil
sampling across Ontario and to offer more benefits in
joining OSCIA, members are now eligible to receive a 10%
discount on regular priced soil analysis fees with several
OMAFRA accredited labs across the province. From
October 2015 through to December 2016, members may
request 10% off select services from A&L Canada, Exova,
SGS Agri-Food Labs, and Stratford Agri-Analysis.
Jake Munroe, Soil Fertility Specialist with the OMAFRA,
says his colleagues largely agree many farmers don’t soil
test every three years which is the minimum that’s
recommended. “In a corn-soy-wheat rotation, sampling
right after wheat comes off, before any manure or fertilizer
is put on, is a good routine,” he suggests. Munroe says it’s
also important to remember the public eye is on Ontario.
Since nutrient levels in the Great Lakes are increasingly
under focus, he knows it’s going to become increasingly
important for the industry to implement best management
practices that help reduce phosphorus loading. He thinks
it’s very prudent for Ontario farm groups to continue to
promote responsible management of nutrient inputs and
considers soil tests to be one of the easier ways farmers can
demonstrate good environmental stewardship.
enough causing a yield loss. Both scenarios may have a
serious impact on your bottom line!” he added.
Jack Legg, Branch Manager for SGS Agri-Food Labs, says
he realizes there are a lot of things that have to happen
when there’s no frost in the ground, so it’s easy for soil
testing to get put on the back burner. Dan Clarke, Executive
VP at A&L Canada, hopes this will help farmers get
sampling practices off that back burner and ideally, inspire
them to get out into the field. “There’s a lot to be learned
while walking those fields as they’re soil sampling,” he
says. “If every Soil and Crop member actually soil samples
their farm properly and improves their management; that
would be the dream.” Clarke suggests any OSCIA member
intending to take advantage of the new discount quickly
review proper use of sampling tools and remind themselves
of recommended sample sizes, areas, depth and submission
preparation.
Coupons are available by contacting your local association
Secretary or Regional Communication Coordinator, and
must be submitted with soil submissions. This discount
may apply to testing fees as arranged through private
consultants and retailers, however any other discounts
received by these third parties will override the 10%
member offer and may not be combined. If you use a third
party for this service, simply ask to see if you are eligible
for this discount through them. Members who are new
customers with these labs will be required to provide credit
card information for billing purposes. Details are available
at http://oscia.wildapricot.org/page-1863471
Cathy Dibble, Lead Regional Communication Coordinator
(Building on the original story prepared by Amy Pethrick)
ATTENTION SEED GROWERS
OSGA 2015 Annual Meeting
December 8th, 2015
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Location: Four Points Sheraton
London, ON
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Register by November 20th
1-519-826-4212
[email protected]
OR
http://www.oscia.cloverpad.org/Events
“With corn fertilizer costs approaching $200 an acre,
spending a few dollars an acre for soil testing is a very wise
investment” stated Alan Kruszel, President of OSCIA. In
his opinion, farmers can no longer afford not to do regular
soil testing. “If you don’t know what’s in your soil, how
can you know how much fertilizer you need to apply? You
might be needlessly over applying or worse, not applying
OSCIA NEWS - November 2015
2
2015 Ontario Forage Masters Winner
OSCIA is proud to announce the 2015 Ontario Forage
Masters winner, Chris Brown, Beslea Farms Ltd.
“SARFIP: what’s in it for you?”
The way we farm is a very personal experience. Built on
our farm’s landscape and unique characteristics, past trial
and error, and the advice offered up by neighbours when
the property was first purchased; it’s safe to say that no two
producers farm exactly the same. While we clearly cannot
control every aspect of production, we do shape the
products we produce, and the landscapes we care for.
Part of building great farms is not just being able to seize
opportunities, but being able to capitalize on the right
opportunities that fit your farm and build your business.
With the variety of financial support that’s offered through
federal and provincial cost-share programs, it can be tough
to decide which programs best align with your farm’s
strategic direction and which programs are right for your
farm business.
Chris Brown, with wife Brianne, being presented the award by
Alan Kruszel, 2015 OSCIA President (on the right)
The speaking competition was held on November 10th, in
Guelph and was a wonderful opportunity for the local
association’s 1st place winners to promote the importance
of forages at a provincial level. This year there were five
excellent presentations from across Ontario (Dave Kuntz,
Bruce; Chris Brown, Frontenac; Tim Armstrong, Peel;
Scott Droogers, Oxford; and Lorne Vis, Thunder Bay).
The provincial winner was announced at a ceremony in
Toronto at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF) on
November 11th.
For Grey County farmer, Willis Murray, he’s found the
Species At Risk Farm Incentive Program (SARFIP) to be
the right fit. Farming what he calls “marginal land” along
the Niagara Escarpment, Willis Murray is the first to admit
that he doesn’t have the richest soil required for high value
crops; but with a wealth of biodiversity on his farm, Willis
has recognized that Species at Risk may in fact benefit his
farm landscape. Willis was able to access financial support
for projects he had been intending to complete over time,
SARFIP helped to get these projects completed this year.
From controlling invasive species to overseeding pasture,
these projects had production benefits for Willis’ operation
while working to support productive grassland habitats for
Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark.
As the winner, Chris Brown has been invited to compete at
the 2016 American Forage and Grassland Council Forage
Spokesperson Competition in Baton Rouge, Louisiana,
USA in January 2016. We wish Chris Brown all the best in
the next competition.
Funding is available across the province for producers
interested in projects that include fencing, remote watering
systems, invasive species removal, etc. Farm businesses do
not need to have Species at Risk on their property to start
taking advantage of these opportunities but the stronger the
connection to species at risk that the more funding
available. Funding is retroactive to April 1, 2015 and
remains available at this time.
The deadline to enter for the next Ontario Forage Masters
program is April 18, 2016. Contact your local SCIA or
visit our website www.ontariosoilcrop.org in the new year
for an entrance package, competition eligibility and
guidelines.
There are plenty of eligible projects that might be a good fit
for your farm. In Willis’ experience, if you’re thinking
about making an improvement or management change on
your farm, it’s worth looking to see if you can recover
some of your costs through SARFIP.
You could win great prizes from our sponsors, and as a
finalist, tickets to the Horse Show at RAWF, along with
one night’s accommodation as part of the program.
SARFIP is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources and Forestry (MNRF) through the Species At
Risk Stewardship Fund, and the Government of Canada
through the federal Habitat Stewardship Program for
Species at Risk.
This program is made possible with the generous
contributions of the following sponsors:
For more information contact:
Brad Carberry (226-979-2465)
Marianne Stewart, Communication Specialist, OSCIA
Amber Van De Peer, Executive Assistant, OSCIA
OSCIA NEWS - November 2015
3
2015 OSCIA Annual
Meeting
February 9 - 10, 2016
Lamplighter Inn & Conference
Centre, London
SOIL
CHAMPION
AWARD
Brought to you by the
Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement
Association
Nominate a deserving champion!
To be eligible for the annual Soil Champion Award, an
individual must be a resident of Ontario or have
contributed to soil management in a way that directly
influences improved soil health and crop productive
sustainability in Ontario.
Featuring:
2015 Ontario Forage Master Winner, Chris
Brown representing Frontenac County
Sustainable soil management practices may be defined
as those that:
Keynote Speakers:
• Make the most efficient use of nutrients;
Dr. Tim Harrigan, Michigan State
University, “US Agriculture’s Response to
Lake Erie Algal Blooms”
• Support systems with no net loss of organic matter
and soil aggregate stability;
John Burk, Farmer, Bay City, Michigan,
“Cover Crop Choices & Management
Practices on My Farm”
Blake Vince, Farmer, Kent County, “Cover
Crops, the New Paradigm. Financial Yield
Not Physical Yield”
Dr. Merrin Macrae, University of Waterloo,
“Reducing Phosphorus Export in
Agricultural Runoff”
Dr. John Varty, McMaster University,
“Tractor Canada”
• Builds the population and diversity of soil organisms;
• Effectively manages surface water to support reduced
tillage systems.
The 2016 OSCIA Soil Champion will be
introduced at the Annual Meeting in February.
How to make a nomination
The nomination form will be available in January from
the OSCIA website at: http://www.ontariosoilcrop.org
Completed forms and supporting material can be sent
to [email protected].
Deadline for all nominations and supporting documents
is September 30, 2016.
…and much much more
Updates will be posted on our
website.
OSCIA NEWS - November 2015
4
Growing Your Farm Profits
Planning for Business Success
Start the business planning process by attending
this FREE two-day interactive workshop.
You will: • Assess business management practices
• Determine priorities and key goals
• Develop realistic action plans
• Learn about cost-share funding opportunities
Canada-Ontario
Environmental Farm Plan (EFP)
Producers are invited to attend FREE EFP
(Fourth Edition) Workshops to:
Learn about best management practices
Develop an action plan for their farm
Learn about cost-share funding opportunities
Workshops and Webinars in your area
EFP Workshop Schedule
Alliston
Day 1 - Jan. 7
Day 2 - Jan. 14
Mount Forest
Day 1 - Jan. 11
Day 2 - Jan. 18
Linwood
Day 1 - Jan. 19
Day 2 - Jan. 26
Orangeville
Day 1 - Jan. 25
Day 2 - Feb. 1
Wingham
Day 1 - Feb. 11
Day 2 - Feb. 18
St. Mary’s
Day 1 - Feb. 17
Day 2 - Feb. 24
Paisley
Day 1 - Mar. 22
Day 2 - Mar. 29
Markdale
Day 1 - Mar. 23
Day 2 - Mar. 30
Arthur
Day 1 - Mar. 23
Day 2 - Mar. 30
GYFP Workshop Schedule
Biosecurity Workshop
At this one-day workshop, an experienced veterinarian will show you
the benefits of having an on-farm biosecurity program, and identify
key practices which will enhance biosecurity measures on your farm.
Maximizing Your Traceability
Investment Workshop
This in-class workshop will focus on how you can gain a competitive
advantage and improve your bottom line with your traceability
system. Real life examples and business profiles focused on
traceability best practices will be examined throughout the workshop.
Food Safety Webinars
Looking to keep up to date on the latest food safety practices and
help strengthen your Growing Forward 2 application? Join us for
any or all of the food safety workshops, covering a variety of
important food safety topics. All workshops are online as
webinars, taken from the comfort of your home or business.
Orangeville
Day 1 - Jan. 5
Day 2 - Jan. 12
Listowel
Day 1 - Jan. 6
Day 2 - Jan. 13
Cargill
Day 1 - Jan. 20
Day 2 - Jan. 27
Rostock
Day 1 - Feb. 2
Day 2 - Feb. 9
Elora
Day 1 - Feb. 3
Day 2 - Feb. 10
Markdale
Day 1 - Feb. 5
Day 2 - Feb. 12
Alliston
Day 1 - Mar. 1
Day 2 - Mar. 8
Fergus
Day 1 - Mar. 1
Day 2 - Mar. 8
Wingham
Day 1 - Mar. 3
Day 2 - Mar. 10
Day 1 - Feb. 9
Day 2 - Feb. 16
Food Safety
Creemore
Biosecurity and Traceability
Elora
Day 1-March 17
Register Online at www.ontariosoilcrop.org
Day 2 -March 25
# ROOTS NOT IRON
Heartland and Thames Valley Region’s 3 year cover crop trial.
This plot near Drayton shows a strip of ryegrass in corn vs fall tillage.
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!